She reached the milestone with a two-goal effort against Taconic Hills on Sept. 30 to record her 79th career goal to move past Kalena Miller (who set the previous record in 2000) on the school’s scoring list.

Arno scored 25 goals as a freshman and 35 as a sophomore to set up her junior campaign.

This season, Arno ranked third in Section II in both goals and assists (21).

Also named as a first-teamer for the The Record’s All-Area Soccer team in 2008, Arno generated a seven-point effort (five goals-two assists) in an early-season 8-8 draw with Greenville and scored 4-0 goals in a 5-1 victory at Chatham.

Selected as an All-State player for the second consecutive season, Arno received second-team honors. Also chosen as the Patroon Conference's Most Valuable Player, she was also honored as a Section II Class C All-Star.

MOLLY GILCHRIST

Striker, Hoosic Valley

The junior continued to make a name for herself in the rugged Wasaren League.

The versatile made such an impact this season; she was honored as an All-State third-teamer in Class C.

Gilchrist scored 24 goals and assisted on eight others to spark the Indians.

Generating seven multiple-goal games, Gilchrist scored four goals in two sectional games, including a four-point (three goals-one assist) effort in a 6-1 victory over Berne-Knox in a Class CC first-round game.

A first-team Wasaren League All-Star, Gilchrist was also selected to Section II’s Class C All-Star team.

KRISTINA MAKSUTI

Striker, Bethlehem

Also in her junior year, Maksuti led the Eagles’ attack as the team captured its second consecutive Class AA sectional crown and its third in four years.

Maksuti tallied a team-high 22 goals and led Bethlehem in assists with 15.

On a balanced Bethlehem team, Maksuti was one of three teammates to garner All-State honors as she was chosen to the second team along with forward Kristina Martin.

Maksuti registered seven multiple-point games, including a five-point (two goals-three assists) in a 5-0 win over Shaker — and scored four goals in the postseason — including two in a 2-1 sectional semifinal victory against Saratoga. She also scored one of Bethlehem’s two goals in overtime, with Anna Gray scoring the game winner in the second extra session to edge Shenendehowa, 2-1.

A first-team Suburban Council All-Star, Maksuti was also selected as a Section II Class AA All-Star.

KAITLYN MARTIN

Striker, Bethlehem

Martin teamed up with Kristina Maksuti to provide the Eagles with a powerful 1-2 offensive punch.

A senior, Martin tallied 18 goals and also generated four assists to help spark Bethlehem to a fourth consecutive Suburban Council title and its second straight Class AA sectional crown.

A four-year varsity starter, Martin was chosen as an All-State player, joining Maksuti on the second team.

Martin recorded six multiple-goal games, including three hat tricks this season.

Honored as Suburban Council Player of the Year, Martin was also named as a Section II Class AA All-Star.

JULIE MCNEFF

Striker, Catholic Central

As a junior, McNeff enjoyed a breakout season with the Lady Crusaders.

The standout forward tallied 15 goals and assisted on five others to pace an improving Catholic Central team to a third-place finish in the Big 10.

McNeff made quite an impression in the area as she was honored with All-State honors, named to the fifth in Class A.

She recorded four multiple-goal games this year, including three hat tricks — scoring all three goals in a 3-2 triumph over Troy High.

A first-team Big 10 All-Star, McNeff was also selected as a Section II Class A All-Star.

While Hanehan led Stillwater in points with 37, including a team-leading 26 assists along with 11 goals, Hathaway tallied 24 goals and 11 assists.

In their first foray in Class B play, Hanehan helped lead the Warriors to a Section II co-championship with Mechanicville, which advanced via penalty kicks.

For the season, Hanehan registered four four-point games, including a four-goal effort in a 5-1 quarterfinal win over Greenville. She totaled eight points (5 goals-3 assists) in four playoff games, including assisting on Nicole Gerasia’s overtime goal as Stillwater advanced past Schalmont in a semifinal on penalty kicks.

A first-team Wasaren League All-Star, Hanehan was also selected as a Section II All-Star in Class B.

BECCA LAPORTE

Midfielder, Hoosick Falls

The talented senior truly delivered an impact season for the Panthers.

LaPorte helped guide Hoosick Falls to the Wasaren League title and was honored as a first-team All-State player in Class C.

Selected as Section II co-Player of the Year in Class C with Kelsey Logan of Fort Plain, LaPorte tallied six goals and assisted on six others to lead the Panthers’ balanced attack. She also totaled 53 points, including 26 goals, in four varsity seasons.

LaPorte was also honored as co-Most Valuable Player of the Wasaren League (with rival Stillwater’s Amanda Hathaway).

SIERRA LEGGE

Midfielder, Maple Hill

The versatile forward comprised the Wildcats’ prolific scoring duo along with Meeghan Arno, who is also a junior.

A first-team Patroon Conference All-Star, Legge was also chosen as a Section II Class C All-Star.

NICOLE MANUPELLA

Midfielder, Mechanicville

The senior was a stabilizing force in the middle of the field for the Red Raiders.

A versatile midfielder, Manupella provided invaluable leadership in helping to guide Mechanicville to the Class B co-sectional championship with Stillwater and the program’s first state final appearance since 2001.

For her efforts, Manupella was honored as an All-State fourth-teamer among Class B schools.

Manupella totaled only four points, including two goals, to pace the Red Raiders to a second-place finish in the highly competitive Colonial Council.

A first-team Suburban Council All-Star, she was also selected as a Section II Class B All-Star.

KATIE MICHAELIS

Midfielder, Albany

The senior helped carry the Falcons to new heights as the team won the school’s first Big 10 title in girls soccer.

Michaelis tallied 19 goals and assisted on five others to account for more than half of Albany’s scoring and ultimately earned Class AA All-State third-team status.

Fittingly, she also scored the lone goal in the Falcons’ league-clinching victory over Troy. Michaelis went on to register four multiple-goal games including a four-goal effort against Queensbury and a pair of hat tricks.

Honored as the Big 10’s Player of the Year, Michaelis was also selected as a Section II Class AA All-Star.

KIERRA MOORE

Midfielder, Holy Names

The talented senior truly made a statement in leading Holy Names to the Class A sectional semifinal round.

Moore scored 29 goals to rank fifth in Section II in this category and also dealt out four assists.

Garnering third-team All-State honors in Class A, Moore also guided Holy Names to a third-place finish in the Colonial Council.

Moore registered nine multiple-goal games, including a four-goal effort against Catholic Central. She also contributed a goal and an assist in a 2-0 quarterfinal win over Gloversville.

A first team Colonial Council All-Star, Moore was also selected to Section’s II All-Star in Class A.

JACKIE SORENSEN

Midfielder, Waterford

The talented forward didn’t hold back at all in her senior season to set a new scoring standard for the Fordians’ program.

Sorensen scored 37 goals to rank second in Section II and totaled 42 points this campaign.

A varsity starter since eighth grade, Sorensen tallied 75 career goals to surpass the school record set by her sister Jill six seasons ago.

Jackie Sorensen scored more than three goals in eight games this season — including five goals against Berlin, four in a win over Loudonville Christian — and three goals as Waterford defeated Greenwich to reach the Class C semifinal round.

Selected as the Central Hudson Valley League's Most Valuable Player, Sorensen was honored as a Section II All-Star in Class C.

SARAH CIPPERLY

Defender, Lansingburgh

Truly an all-around player, the senior moved up to play in the midfield this season, but she could be counted on to help out on defense when called upon.

Selected to The Record’s All-Area girls soccer team last year as defender, Cipperly made a smooth transition to serve as a central midfielder and garnered second-team All-State honors in Class A.

Cipperly displayed plenty of balance by tallying eight goals to tie for the team lead (with Jenna Retell) and registered a team-best nine assists to lead the Knights in scoring.

Chosen as a Colonial Council first-team All-Star, Cipperly was also honored as a Section II Class A All-Star.

Cipperly is also a standout all-state shortstop who was selected to The Record’s All-Area Softball team earlier this year and plays basketball for Lansingburgh.

ANNA GRAY

Defender, Bethlehem

Playing on a team which was an offensive juggernaut in Class AA, Gray was again a standout contributor both on defense and in the midfield.

When playing defense, the senior helped anchor a backfield which allowed only 10 goals in 20 games this season.

Honored as an All-State fifth-team player in Class AA, Gray helped guide the Eagles to their second consecutive Section II title and a three-peat as Suburban Council champions.

Gray also chipped in offensively by tallying nine goals and assisting on seven others. She scored two goals in the postseason, including the game-winning goal 3:38 into sudden death overtime in the sectional final triumph over rival Shenendehowa.

A first-team Suburban Council All-Star, Gray was selected as a Section II Class AA All-Star.

MEG MCEACHRON

Defender, Hoosick Falls

The senior was a vital contributor to the Panthers’ run to the Wasaren League championship.

Solidifying and anchoring a defense which allowed just 11 goals in 17 outings and assisted in 12 shutouts, McEachron was honored at the All-State level, garnering fourth-team status.

With McEachron providing support in front of All-State goalie Kelsey Rogers, Hoosick Falls recorded six consecutive shutouts to wrap up the league title. McEachron also chipped in with three goals and three assists.

A first-team Wasaren League All-Star, McEachron was also selected as a Section II All-Star in Class C.

SARA MIKULA

Defender, Shenendehowa

The senior finished off her scholastic career with a standout effort on defense.

With Mikula leading the way, the Lady Plainsmen recorded 11 shutouts on the season, including back-to-back gems against Colonie (3-0) and Niskayuna (2-0) in sectionals to reach the Class AA final, where they were edged by rival Bethlehem, 2-1.

In all, Shenendehowa yielded only 10 goals in 19 games this year.

Mikula also chipped in with two assists this season.

A first-team Suburban Council All-Star, Mikula was also honored as a Section II Class AA All-Star.

ASHLEE SCOFIELD

Defender, Averill Park

Displaying versatility, Scofield starred for the Warriors in both the midfield and on defense.

For her efforts, the senior was selected as a Class A All-State player, garnering fourth-team status.

With her play in both roles, Scofield led an Averill Park team which allowed only 25 goals in 17 games and recorded six shutouts in the Suburban Council.

She also registered two points, both assists, on the season.

A first-team Suburban Council All-Star, Scofield was also honored as a Section II All-Star in Class A.

KELSEY ROGERS

Goalkeeper, Hoosick Falls

Rogers was the last line of defense in helping to lead the Panthers to the Wasaren League crown.

The senior recorded 12 shutouts this year, which isn’t surprising, since she registered no less than 10 shutouts in each of her four varsity seasons and finished with 45 gems for her career.

Rogers made a total of 377 saves in four years, including 75 this season, and also chipped in with a goal this year.

One of only five goalies from Section II to earn All-State honors, Rogers was selected as a fourth-teamer.

With Rogers between the goal posts, Hoosick Falls allowed only 11 goals in 17 games this season.

A first-team Wasaren League All-Star, Rogers was also chosen as a Section II Class C All-Star.

I am late with this; most of you probably know it already. But just for the record, here are the Section II class-by-class all-stars, as presented by the Capital District Womens Soccer Coaches. Congratulations to everyone.

The all-state girls soccer team just popped into my e-mail. The full version of it should appear on the New York State Sportswriters Association Web site by Monday, but for now here’s everybody that got selection in Section II or VII.

(Late note — the full team has now been posted. You can click here to view it.)

This team is selected by the New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls Sports and the New York State Sports Writers’ Association.

Amanda Hathaway was a co-player of the year in Class B. Kelsey Fish, Becca La Porte and Brianna Thibeau were also selected near the top of their classes.

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Girls' soccer (large-school)

First team

Forward: Liz Boyer, senior, Saratoga Springs: Led Saratoga with eight goals as the Blue Streaks made it the Class AA semifinals for the first time in almost 20 years. ... "One of the great leaders on our team. She's more of a distributor this year and really took on that role and did a great job. Put it where it needed to be and continued to be a great leader," Saratoga Springs coach Adrienne Dannehy said.

Forward: Kaitlyn Martin, senior, Bethlehem: Was leading all large-school players with 18 goals before she tore her ACL in early October. ... "She's the most dangerous offensive player in the area," Rogan said.

Forward: Kaite Michealis, senior, Albany High: Her 19 goals were tops on a Falcons team that captured the program's first outright Big 10 Championship. ... "Katie played a vital role in our first championship. She's a dedicated asset on the field and in the classroom as well," Albany coach Peter Anderson said.

Midfield: Sarah Cipperly, senior, Lansingburgh: Led the team with nine goals and eight assists. For a second straight year, was one of the most versatile and dangerous players in Class A. ... "She's been on varsity since seventh grade and was really a great leader this year. She was like a second coach out on the field," Lansingburgh coach John Cipperly said.

Midfield: Anna Gray, senior, Bethlehem: Scored nine goals, including the game winner in overtime in the Class AA championship against Shen, and added seven assists and has been one the Eagles' key cogs in their title run. ... "The most versatile player in the area," Rogan said.

Midfield: Kierra Moore, senior, Holy Names: Finished fifth in Section II with 29 goals on a Holy Names squad that went 15-4 and made it to the Class A semifinals. ... "She really stepped up this year and proved to be a major asset for our team. She'll be missed next year and very hard to replace," Holy Names coach Jennifer Smith said.

Midfield: Molly Popolizio, senior, Shenendehowa: Led the Plainsmen with 13 goals and added five assists. ... "Molly is by far one of the smallest players in the Suburban Council, but strong and never afraid to go to the goal. She really came into her own this year," Shenendehowa coach Holli Mulholland said.

Midfield: Monica Wolf, senior, Burnt Hills: Was the heart and soul of a Spartans' squad that made it all the way to the Class A state semifinals. Led the team with seven assists. ... "Monica had a fantastic career here at Burnt Hills. She's a phenomenal athlete and a true leader in every sense of the word," Burnt Hills coach Brian Bold said.

Defense: Amanda Callanan, senior, Ballston Spa: Scored 10 goals and was a key defender for a Scotties team that held its opponents to two goals or fewer in 14 of their 18 games. ... "One of the best in the Suburban Council. She's extremely technical and crafty with the ball in her (possessions)," Ballston Spa coach Betsy Drambour said.

Defense: Kelsey Fish, senior, South Glens Falls: Led the team with 10 assists, added six goals and was the top defender for a Bulldogs' team that made it to the Class A championship game. ... "She's a very dedicated player. She strives to do her best, and makes others around her better. Unselfish, a great attitude and a great player," South Glens Falls coach Stephen Philo said.

Defense: Sara Mikula, senior, Shenendehowa: Was the top defender for a strong Plainsmen defense that played its best as the season progressed. ... "She was really the glue that held us together and kept our defense organized," Mulholland said.

Defense: Michele Primomo, senior, Bethlehem: Was a five-year starter and led an Eagles defense that had 13 regular-season shutouts. ... "The best defender in the area and was a part of 86 wins over the course of her career," Rogan said.

Goalie: Renae Cairns, senior, Ballston Spa: No one in Section II makes more athletic saves than Cairns, who finished the season with 134 saves to just 22 goals allowed. ... "She's a tremendous leader and has been one of the top keepers in Section II the past two seasons," Drambour said.

Second team

Jillian Beatty, Fr., forward, Burnt Hills

Julie McNeff, Jr., forward, Catholic Central

Sam Blizzard, Fr., forward, South Glens Falls

Miranda Haraughty, Fr., forward, Glens Falls

Hillary Rouse, Sr., midfielder, Amesterdam

Rachel Schofield, Sr., midfielder, Colonie

Lacey Powers, Sr., midfielder, Ichabod Crane

Ashlee Scofield, Sr., midfielder, Averill Park

Morgan Berry, Jr., midfielder, Shaker

Nicole Shively, So., defender, Burnt Hills

Makala Gatta, Sr., defender, Scotia

Katelyn Baker, Sr., defender, South Glens Falls

Tyler Carr, Jr., defender, Saratoga Springs

Kylah Rodd, Sr., goalie, Scotia

All-star teams are chosen by Times Union writers and freelancers in consultation with coaches.

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AVERILL PARK -- Ashlee Scofield, Lindsey Bush, Emily Rebehn and Melissa Gentile all jog off the practice field after their first set of warm-ups with sweat dripping down their foreheads on a sunny September afternoon.

Not one of them is out of breath, or even breathing hard for that matter. Not even close.

It's only 30 minutes into practice and they know they still have a long way to go. They know that they'll probably do more running today than any of the other 11 teams in the Suburban Council. They also know that hard work will pay off. They've already seen it happen.

"When I took over the program I really wanted to establish a work ethic," head coach Matt Hirschoff said. "In terms of skill, I didn't think we were as good as the other Suburban Council teams. But I thought that if we could develop the mentality that for 80 minutes we're going to go harder and be in better shape than the other team, in terms of effort, we would be able to compete."

In any given practice, the Warriors may run and condition for two hours before they even touch a ball.

"It's always good when you get to the end of the game and you still have the energy and the other team seems like they're dying," Scofield said.

"It's great. You get to the end of the game and you won it because you worked harder and you wanted it more," Rebehn added.

When Hirschoff took over as head coach in 2003, the Warriors were coming off back-to-back winless seasons in Suburban Council play. He knew that to compete with schools nearly three times the size on a regular basis, having his best athletes on the field at all times was a must.

"I'm a big believer that I want to play my best players out there as much as possible," Hirschoff said. "My best players need to be in great shape. They understand that and they buy into that. You're on my team, you're going to have to work."

After a few tough seasons under Hirschoff in 2003 and 2004, the Warriors finally began to see the fruits of their labors in 2005, when Averill Park won six Suburban Council games.

"That was the first time when we weren't just staying competitive with those teams, but we were beating those teams," Hirschoff said.

In 2007, Averill Park lost in the Class A sectional semifinals on penalty kicks. In 2008, the Warriors had their best season in Suburban Council play yet, going 10-9-2 and coming up just short in the Class A sectional final with a 1-0 loss to Burnt Hills. They did all that last year despite losing two of their players to season-ending knee injuries; Bush and 2007 Class A Player of the Year Brittni Lionarons, who has since graduated.

Scofield is the only returning starter this year, with 11 seniors graduating from last year's team. Averill Park has more than held its own in 2009 however, beating Niskayuna for the first time in more than a decade and taking a 1-0 lead into halftime against an undefeated Shenendehowa team -- ranked No. 7 in the state in the most recent Class AA polls -- before falling short 2-1.

The Warriors' work ethic off the field is just as impressive. Twenty of 22 Warriors from last year's team had scholastic averages of more than 90, with no one on the team less than 85. They also led all girls' soccer teams in Section II with a an average of 96.

"The mentality out here is very working class," Hirschoff said. "When it comes to effort we don't get outworked. "

Bryan Fitzgerald, a local freelance writer, is a frequent contributor to the Times Union. He can be reached at 454-5452 or by e-mail at bfitzgerald@timesunion.com. <!-- END STORY LEAD AND REMAINING TEXT --><!-- NEXT PAGE NAV LINKS --><!-- END NEXT PAGE NAV LINKS --><!-- AP Copyright Notice --><!-- END AP Copyright Notice -->

Girls H.S. soccer: Streaks oh so close

Friday, September 25, 2009

By CHRIS PENNAMACOORThe Saratogian

SARATOGA SPRINGS - In a Suburban Council contest that went right down to the last minute, the Saratoga Springs High School girls soccer team and Averill Park played to a 1-1 tie at the Saratoga High field on Thursday.

The Blue Streaks (3-2-2) finished the game with an 18-7 shot advantage and held the lead with just four seconds to go in regulation when there was a rush in front of their goal. Warriors midfielder Ashlee Scofield crossed a pass to Kristen Ernest, who chipped a shot to the top right corner of the net to tie the game and force the overtime.

Both 10-minute extra periods played out similarly to how the game went during regulation. The Blue Streaks controlled play, keeping the ball in the Warriors’ end of the field, which created several scoring chances, but the ball just didn’t find the back of the net.

There were three times in the first overtime when freshman forward Megan Nash almost put Saratoga ahead. Her first chance came when she worked the ball in deep and took a shot that clipped the outside netting on the left side. She then took a shot from the right side that Averill Park goalie Jess Catricala caught. Nash took another shot from in front that was also stopped by Catricala.

As big as those saves were, Catricala saved her most important one for the end. With just seconds left in the second overtime, Kelli Wegner took a corner kick that went right toward the front of the Warriors’ net. Catricala jumped out into the crowd, grabbed the ball and cleared it away to preserve the tie. Earlier in that same period Julia Sirianni had taken a shot from the top of the box that just cleared the top crossbar. Liz Boyer, who scored the Blue Streaks’ goal in the first half, took two successive shots at the net. Her first was a near-miss to the right; her second shot was cleared away by an Averill Park defender.

Blue Streaks coach Adrienne Dannehy said that the missed opportunities seem to be something of a theme right now, but that the team is working hard to correct it. She liked the effort her players put forth in overtime after having been close to walking off the field with a win.

"They came off with their heads down but we quickly talked about how the game’s not over, now it’s 0-0 and we start over again," said Dannehy. "They picked it right up and played the full 20 minutes with a lot of fire. I didn’t even sub. After playing the 80 minutes then coming back and playing the 20 minutes, they didn’t let down one second. I’m very proud of them."

Saratoga’s lone goal happened near the midway point of the first half when Alex Parry collected the ball deep in Warrior territory off a goal kick by Catricala. Parry found Boyer in the middle. She hit a shot low right to the middle of the net. That was nearly the difference maker.

"Liz is Liz," said Dannehy. "She’s been absolutely phenomenal for me. She’s having a good year. I’ve put her in more of a defensive role this year. I did put her up top a lot but the last couple games she’s actually been playing a lot of center-mid. I have two young girls that just run, run, run and I’m looking more for Liz to take on a role where they find her feet and she can turn and distribute to the little ones who just have more speed. That’s something we haven’t had for a couple years so now that I’ve got it I’m trying to utilize it. I’ve pushed (Liz) back a little bit but she likes that role and she’s doing a great job of it."

The Blue Streaks will be back on the field Saturday against another Suburban Council opponent, Burnt Hills, and Boyer knows exactly what to expect.

"That’s going to be a tough game," said Boyer. "They are very good at winning the ball in the air, they’re physical to every single ball. I’ve played with a lot of them for club and their coach used to be my coach for club so I definitely know a lot of them and know what they bring. I’m excited for that game."